Ashley and Ciaran discuss updates on Dune: Awakening, the unique gameplay of Date Everything!, and insights from the recent State of Play for Ghost of Yotei.

Show Dot Points

• Ciaran has been playing Date Everything! on his Steam Deck.
• Dune: Awakening has had some recent updates and patches.
• Ghost of Yotei had a gameplay deep dive on State of Play
• The Last of Us Part II remastered introduces a new chronological mode.
• Subnautica 2's development is facing significant delays and legal issues.

Hosts: Ashley Hobley: https://bsky.app/profile/ashleyhobley.bsky.social Ciaran Marchant: https://bsky.app/profile/en-ringo.bsky.social

Resources

• Ghost of Yōtei's gorgeous gameplay deep dive reveals refined combat, lo-fi beats mode, and more - Eurogamer.net
• The Last Of Us Part II Remastered Just Got A New Chronological Mode - Press Start
• SAG-AFTRA approves 2025 Video Game Agreement, officially concluding its strike - Eurogamer.net
• The Subnautica 2 $250M ordeal is getting combative - Polygon

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://arcadecouch.podbean.com/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Microsoft lays off over 9.000 employess, and we discuss the effects it has had on Xbox and their development studios.

Show Dot Points

• Microsoft laid off over 9000 employees, impacting Xbox.
• Cancellation of Perfect Dark and Everwild raises concerns.
• The gaming industry faces ongoing layoffs and project cancellations.
• New studios struggle to succeed in creating AAA games.
• Creative processes in gaming differ significantly from film.
• Cross-platform gaming is becoming more prevalent.
• The importance of established studios in game development.
• Industry trends show a shift towards AI and new revenue models.
• The departure of key creatives can impact project quality.
• Community reactions to industry changes are mixed.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Resources

• Perfect Dark and Everwild Cancelled as Microsoft Cuts 9,000 Jobs - Explosion Network
• Forza Motorsport "is no more", claims former Turn 10 employee, following Microsoft cuts | Eurogamer.net
• Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross Exit HBO’s The Last of Us Series - Explosion Network
• Helldivers 2 Becomes First PlayStation-Published Game on Xbox - Explosion Network

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Ciaran talks about how much he's enjoying Dune: Awakening, and how it'll get him to watch the films.

Dylan & Ashley also touch on Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, which they've both started playing.

Show Dot Points

• The hosts express excitement about the gaming community and their experiences.
• Death Stranding 2 offers a sweet start with character development.
• Dune: Awakening effectively combines MMO and survival elements.
• The narrative of games can challenge traditional character roles.
• Quality-of-life improvements in games enhance the player experience.
• Community engagement is crucial for multiplayer games.
• The importance of not judging games solely by their trailers.
• Exploration and base building are key components in Dune: Awakening.
• The hosts appreciate the depth of storytelling in modern games.
• Future updates and expansions are anticipated for both games.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion